Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you're a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there's no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana. Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks, at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. We've got countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place. These are just a few of the #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Mamou Cajun Music Festival
Mamou
September 12-13
The road to the Mamou Cajun Music Festival is centuries long, rutted with Cajun instruments and fiddle bows. This event encompasses half a century of Acadian jams, fais do-dos and kitschy competitions (think: sack races and guinea-pig chases). Not to mention, you won’t find better boudin anywhere else.
Mamou, billed as the epicenter of Cajun music history, has a big reputation. It’s home to Fred’s Lounge, a dance hall with worldwide acclaim. It’s also 20 minutes from Ville Platte, where the Cajun Swamp Pop Museum highlights decades of this folksy, indigenous musical genre.
Plan your trip to Evangeline Parish.
Cajun Food Fest
Lydia
September 13
Lydia’s Cajun Food Fest brings the flavor. All weekend long, sample Cajun eats that season your step. Country music artists grace the stage while craft vendors offer their best creations. Plus, little ones will love the carnival rides and car show.
While you’re celebrating Cajun food in Iberia Parish, take a TABASCO® Factory Tour at Avery Island. Watch the bottling process from start to finish, learn how the famous sauce began and bring home a few spicy souvenirs from the gift shop.
Learn more about Iberia Parish.
Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
Shreveport
September 13
Jam from dawn till dusk with musicians from across the country at Highland Jazz & Blues Festival. Local creatives showcase projects from fine art to folk art, and the bites, beers and bubbles are as excellent as the shows.
When the encore’s over, keep the party going at one of Shreveport’s energizing bars, which range from high-end lounges to Southern saloons.
Learn more about Shreveport-Bossier.
Landry Vineyards Grape Stomp
West Monroe
September 13
It’s easy to let loose at Landry Vineyards Grape Stomp, the winery’s biggest event of the year. Where else can you dress like Lucille Ball while squishing buckets of grapes with your bare toes? Plus, you’ll sip crimson cabernet and wine Bellinis, taste delicious food-truck fare and jam to the sweet Southern sound of Lisa Spann & Company.
While you’re in town, explore the charming Monroe Main Street, which offers several local restaurants and shops to explore, or West Monroe’s Antique Alley.
Visit West Monroe.
La Table Kreyol
Arnaudville
September 13
Love language? Immerse yourself in Louisiana’s rich linguistic history at La Table Kreyol, a class in Creole oral traditions for any skill level. Held at NUNU Arts and Cultural Collective, this informal gathering is for anyone intrigued by the Bayou State’s diverse practices.
Afterward, browse NUNU’s arts market and gallery for Louisiana-made souvenirs, like handmade jewelry, pottery and metalwork. Grab lunch at nearby Myran’s Maison de Manger, where broiled shrimp or classic crawfish étouffée provide an authentic, delicious Southern treat.
Learn more about St. Landry Parish.
The River Market
Monroe
September 13
Makers, bakers, movers and shakers — The River Market in Monroe highlights them all. Peruse a curated selection of locally grown or handcrafted goods on the city’s lively downtown boardwalk, which overlooks the peaceful Ouachita River.
See more of Monroe’s local beauty at Kiroli Park, a lush 160-acre greenspace with forested nature trails, gardens and a fishing pond. For a closer look at wildlife and waterfowl, explore the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a habitat for Louisiana’s native species.
September ArtWalk
Lafayette
September 13
Experience the best of downtown Lafayette at Second Saturday ArtWalk, an inspiring blend of bright minds. Museums, independent galleries, studios and art houses highlight current exhibitions, while Acadiana’s local makers offer goods at a streetside market.
For a look at the area’s art history, visit Vermilionville, a living history museum and folklife park. Embark on a self-guided tour through moss-draped oaks, or stop by artisan booths, where locals demonstrate early crafts performed by Acadians, Creoles and Native Americans.
Oldies but Goodies Fest & Smokin' Oldies BBQ Cook-Off
Port Allen
September 13-14
Bell-bottoms and bouffants are in store at Port Allen’s Oldies but Goodies Fest & Smokin' Oldies BBQ Cook-Off. Smell the smoky-sweet warmth of barbecue at a cook-off on Saturday, and on Sunday, stroll through an antique car show, dance your way to the top in a jitterbug contest and enjoy live music.
Nearby museums offer post-festival fun. Explore the Addis Museum, which houses photographs and memorabilia from Port Allen. Don’t forget to see the Back Brusly Oak, a beloved 400-year-old staple in West Baton Rouge.
Learn more about West Baton Rouge.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there's always something to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
